The Importance of Understanding Mental Health by Joel Bennett

The Importance of Understanding Mental Health by Joel Bennett

By Joel Bennett | For Ms. Walling's Blog Spot | Posted: Jan 23, 2023

Image Posted by Joel Bennett, 2023

Mental health continues to be stigmatized and misunderstood; it is an important issue that affects people of all ages and economic groups. Although this message is universal, it directly applies to Saskatchewan, Canada, where many people continue to judge mental illness as a personal flaw or weakness. Mental health should be an easier topic to bring up in society and should be met with no judgment and only compassion.

The lack of understanding and knowledge of mental health is one of the key causes of the stigma around it still existing today. The reality is that a lot of people have no idea what mental illness is or how it impacts people. One in five Canadians may encounter a mental health problem at some point in their lives. But only approximately one-third of those affected will seek assistance, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). This is frequently brought on by a fear of judgment or misinterpretation.

Lack of access to mental health care is another major factor contributing to the stigma around mental illnesses. In Saskatchewan, a major problem revolves around the large population of those living in remote and rural areas as they do not have the same mental health resources as other places. The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) reported that not all areas have equal access to mental health care and that those living in rural and remote areas have the worst quality of care. We need to work on expanding access to mental health care, especially in remote and rural communities.

Funding programs that encourage mental health education and awareness is a great way to address these problems. In order to do this, training must be received by medical professionals, various educators and community leaders on how to identify the signs of mental illness and help individuals in need. An important first step in getting mental health assistance and care is first a diagnosis which can be spurred on by identifiable symptoms.

In conclusion, it is important to address the stigma associated with mental health. Because they are worried about being judged or misunderstood, many people are still reluctant to ask for help or discuss their mental health. We can lessen these consequences and promote a more understanding and compassionate community by supporting mental health education and awareness programmes and improving access to mental health care. However, the first step is always to examine yourself and the efforts you have made to combat the ongoing stigmas surrounding mental health. This includes just simply reaching out to a friend or neighbour to see if they need support.

References

“Mental Health and Illness in Saskatchewan | Mental Health Support.” Government of Saskatchewan, https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/health/accessing-health-care-services/mental-health-and-addictions-support-services/mental-health-support/mental-health-and-illness. Accessed 20 January 2023.

“Mental Health in Canada”. Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). (n.d.). https://cmha.ca/mental-health/mental-health-in-canada Accessed 20 January 2023.

“Rural and Remote Mental Health.” Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC). (n.d.). https://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/focus-areas/rural-and-remote-mental-health Accessed 20 January 2023.